The Enquirer editorial board has been endorsing political candidates in local, state and national elections for generations. For the Nov. 7 election, The Enquirer will break from that longstanding tradition in favor of providing our readers with a useful perspective you can take to the ballot box, without actually telling you how to vote.

We arrived at this decision after careful consideration. As a long-time voice of Ohio and the region, The Enquirer will continue to take a strong stand on issues of consequence, particularly now, during Cincinnati's renaissance. But the act of voting is intensely personal. We understand that. It is not our role to tell you who to value or what is most important to you.

Twenty years ago, people might have looked at their local editorial page for guidance on who to vote for, but that is no longer the case in today's fast-paced digital landscape where there is no shortage of instantaneous political opinions and viewpoints. And as times change, so must we.

A majority of Americans don't think newspapers should endorse political candidates, according to polling. In the aftermath of last year's presidential election, we heard you loud and clear when you said that no endorsement at all would have been the preferred option.

Endorsements seem to play a part in fueling some Americans' beliefs that media are biased. And with trust in the media at a new low and our country so polarized politically, this editorial board has concluded that candidate endorsements might actually be more divisive than motivating.

Instead of endorsing for mayor, on Sunday the editorial board will present a first-person essay from each of the two candidates, incumbent John Cranley and Councilwoman Yvette Simpson. The board will also provide an analysis of the strengths of each candidate based on its extensive interviews with Cranley and Simpson during the campaign season. It is our hope this alternative approach will provide you with some extra insight and information that will help you identify the candidate who most closely matches your values and beliefs. The board will offer a similar analysis of City Council candidates in a future editorial appearing before Election Day.

Meanwhile, The Enquirer will continue to provide a strong voice on local, state and, occasionally, national issues that impact the people of Greater Cincinnati. We will also continue to listen to you, to adjust and to be flexible to circumstances that might arise in the future. This newspaper cherishes our loyal readers and this new direction is a reflection of that commitment.

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